Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Definition

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor-related disorder
anxiety disorder
that develops after a traumatic event. PTSD has also been called "shell shock" or "battle fatigue."

Causes

The exact cause of PTSD is unknown. PTSD is triggered by exposure to a traumatic event. Situations in which a person feels intense fear, helplessness, or horror are considered traumatic. PTSD has been reported in people who experienced:

Diagnosis

You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. This may be done by using a structured interview and/or a questionnaire. You will also likely be given a psychological assessment. PTSD will be diagnosed if you have:

Symptoms of PTSD, which have lasted for more than one month

Both emotional distress and disturbed functioning (like problems at school, work, or home) due to the symptoms

PTSD is categorized according to when symptoms occur and how long they last. There are 3 types of PTSD:

Acute—symptoms last between 1-3 months after the event

Chronic—symptoms last more than 3 months after the event

Delayed onset—symptoms do not appear until at least 6 months after the event

Treatment

There are many treatments available to help manage PTSD. General goals include learning how to cope with symptoms, reducing symptoms, and strategies to improve relationships with family or friends. Treatment will also focus on any other conditions you may have, such as depression or substance abuse. The length of treatment will depend on the individual but can range from a few months to a few years. Treatment can often include a combination of approaches.

Learning coping skills to manage thoughts about the trauma and current day challenges

Understand and find the balance between your beliefs before the trauma and beliefs after the trauma

There are a few different types of CBT including:

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)—Focuses on better understanding and management of distressing thoughts. The therapy focuses on the changes to your thought pattern since the trauma and how this change affects how you act and feel.

Prolonged exposure therapy—Uses repeated discussion of the trauma with a therapist. The goal is to decrease negative feelings from the trauma, help you develop relaxation skills during stressful times, and eventually decrease the influence of the memory. Though it sounds basic, this process should be done with a therapist to help introduce traumatic memories in a safe method and safe place.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

During this type of therapy, you are asked to talk about the traumatic event, including your memories, feelings, and sensations. While talking, you will be asked to do simple tasks like tapping hand, following therapist's hand with your eyes or listening to tones through headphones. The reason why is not clear, but repeating the story with the physical distraction allows your brain to process the trauma in a different way. In effect the process overwrites some of the negative thought processes related to the trauma.

Other Therapy

Other therapeutic options that may help include:

Stress inoculation therapy (SIT)—During this type of therapy you will be trained in relaxation techniques, positive reframing of negative thoughts, and assertive communication.

Group meetings—Meeting in a
group
with other survivors of trauma can be an effective form of therapy for people with PTSD.

Family therapy—May improve relationships between family members, give family members support, and help family understand your PTSD challenges.

Mindfulness meditation—Paying attention to breathing and focusing on present experiences may help you manage stress.

Medication

Medication can help manage some symptoms while you go through counseling or during a crisis period. They may help manage anxiety, depression, and
insomnia. Antidepressants known as
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed.

Prevention

The events that trigger PTSD cannot be predicted or prevented. However, there are some factors that might prevent PTSD from developing after a traumatic event, such as:

Working with a cognitive-behavioral therapist

Having a strong network of social support

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

Antidepressant use in children, adolescents, and adults. US Food and Drug Administration website. Available at:
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM096273.
Updated December 23, 2014. Accessed January 26, 2016.